Chocolate lovers rejoice! This might be the best health info you’ve read all week.
While not new, a study led by researchers at Columbia University found that cocoa flavanols, natural compounds in cocoa beans, can reverse age-related memory decline in healthy adults.
So, should you simply start eating more chocolate bars? And how exactly can cocoa boost memory?
Does Chocolate Boost Memory?
This Columbia University study examined 37 healthy volunteers aged 50 to 69. Half received a drink containing a high dose of cocoa flavanols (900 mg per day), while the other half received a very low dose (10 mg per day). After three months, those in the high-flavanol group performed significantly better on memory tests.
So, how much better? According to lead researcher Dr Scott Small, if a participant started the study with the memory of a typical 60-year-old, after three months, they had the memory of someone in their 30s or 40s.
And yes, brain scans backed this up!
Researchers found noticeably improved blood flow to the dentate gyrus, a region of the hippocampus that plays a role in memory formation and is one of the areas most affected by ageing. As such, more blood flow to this region means better connectivity and stronger memory function.
Put simply, what you eat can directly affect how well your brain works!
How Much Chocolate Should You Eat Per Day?
An important note to make here is that the flavanols used in the study were specially extracted from cocoa beans. Most commercial chocolate is heavily processed, stripping away most of its flavanol content. This means that a standard milk chocolate bar won’t cut it.
If you want to get the most benefit, dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or above) is your best bet. It naturally retains more flavanols than milk or white chocolate. A small portion of around 20 to 30 grams per day is a reasonable amount to enjoy as part of a balanced diet.
At the same time, chocolate is always best enjoyed in moderation alongside a varied, nutrient-rich diet, and it should only be one piece of a much bigger puzzle when it comes to supporting your brain and overall health.
Looking After Your Brain Starts With Your Body
What you eat matters, but so does how your body functions as a whole. Poor posture, nervous system strain, and chronic tension can all affect how well your brain performs day-to-day.
Curious to learn more about what you can be doing to support your overall health and wellness? Your Finsbury Park chiropractor is here to help. Schedule your FREE discovery call today. BOOK NOW.NOW.